Talisman Mainstage
Talisman Mainstage
What’s On at the Talisman Theatre
The Talisman offers nine main stage productions every year at our Kenilworth based theatre. We produce shows from across a wide spectrum of different genres and styles, offering a thrilling, vibrant evening in the theatre.
Our reputation means that we attract dynamic directors and top local actors to our stage. We also welcome visiting companies to enhance our programme.
Each season brings something for everyone, including Comedy, Murder and Mystery, Thrillers and the Classics alongside Musicals and our ever-popular family Pantomime.
Check out our What’s On pages regularly to ensure you don’t miss out on these amazing shows.
A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE
18th - 23rd May 2026
Passion. Desire. Madness. Survival.
Traditional values clash with modern realities in this timeless masterpiece.
Considered Tennessee Williams’s finest work, A Streetcar Named Desire follows Blanche Dubois, a fading Southern belle who is staying with her sister, Stella, in boisterous New Orleans. When she meets Stanley, Stella’s overtly masculine and working-class husband, tensions between the pair rapidly and violently come to a head in the claustrophobia of their cramped living quarters.
Join us for this powerful tale of desire and destruction as Blanche realises that the present holds no hope and the past is inescapable.
ROCK OF AGES
22nd - 27th June 2026
Big dreams. Bigger hair. Blazing riffs.
Let your hair down and bring your dancing shoes for this larger-than-life blast from the past!
Set in the 1980s along the Sunset Strip, join us in following aspiring rocker Drew and small-town girl Sherrie as they chase their dreams at the legendary Bourbon Room, while trying to save the venue from being replaced by a strip mall.
Set to iconic anthems of the era, Rock of Ages is a high-energy, feel-good love letter to the ’80s — a jukebox romp with a soundtrack you’ll adore from start to finish. Live out your Hollywood dreams in this unmissable musical comedy!
Early Access Booking for Rock of Ages
Available exclusively to Talisman Theatre Members until the beginning of March 2026.
To reward our loyal supporters, Rock of Ages tickets will initially be offered only to Talisman Theatre members. Becoming a member is the best way to guarantee your seats for this hugely popular musical – and enjoy a range of benefits all year round.
Why become a member?
- Exclusive early booking on Rock of Ages before tickets go on general sale
- Discounted ticket prices for all Talisman productions throughout the year
Don’t miss out on your chance to secure the best seats.
👉 Join the Talisman Theatre today:
48 GHOSTS
12th July 2026
Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned…
Made in 48 Hours are back at the Talisman Theatre, a little earlier than usual and this year with something a bit different.
Do you believe in things that go bump in the night or are you a hard and fast sceptic? Are you brave enough to join us for a scream as we enter the world of the supernatural?
All brave souls welcome for an evening of fun frights and ghoulsih delight.
Sunday 12th July 2026 at 7.30pm.
Tickets £15 – book early to avoid disappointment.
This year’s production is in aid of ‘NCT Parents In Mind’ registered charity number 801395. We hope to see you there.
*Whilst this production will embody the usual 48 hour spirit, we never know exactly what will happen on the night and it may, therefore, not be suitable for young children so parental descretion is advised.
BLEAK EXPECTATIONS
24th - 29th August 2026
Mischief, mayhem and darkly comic chaos.
Prepare for a hilarious evening of joy and laughter as Dickens meets Monty Python in this chaotic comic caper.
Follow the story of Pip Bin and his family and friends as they scramble to escape the clutches of dastardly villains and find true love. Spot the Dickensian characters as they uphold their Victorian values in this non-stop comic farce that sees them send up Britishness with oodles of silliness as they race towards their (hopefully) happy ending.
Based on the award-winning BBC Radio 4 series, this Mark Evans play enjoyed a highly successful run in the West End. So take a trip back to Victorian England in this fast-paced and inventive production, featuring a host of instantly-familiar characters that will have you rolling in the aisles.
THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME
28th September - 3rd October 2026
RELAXED PERFORMANCE - Wednesday 30th September2026
A journey through mind and heart
A moving story of courage, curiosity, and connection. Step into the extraordinary world of Christopher Boone in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.
Adapted from Mark Haddon’s award-winning novel, this unforgettable story follows fifteen-year-old Christopher, a brilliant mind on a mission to solve the mystery of a neighbour’s dead dog. What begins as a detective adventure soon becomes a profound journey of self-discovery, family, and resilience.
Engaging and uplifting, this drama is perfect for families and students, with strong connections to GCSE and A-Level study. Join us for an unforgettable experience that touches both heart and mind.
Including a Relaxed Performance on Wednesday 30th September. See the MORE INFO page for further details.
THE LISTENING ROOM
17th October 2026
Live Music at the Talisman Theatre, Kenilworth: The Listening Room
Saturday 17th October 2026, 7.30pm
Warwickshire’s premier Singer-Songwriter night is back, with the next Listening Room taking place on Saturday 17th October.
Following three previous sell-out shows, The Listening Room is an intimate evening dedicated to celebrating the rich talent and heartfelt storytelling of original singer-songwriters. Set against the cosy backdrop of our theatre foyer, this special night invites you to listen, appreciate and connect with the music.
This show brings together four hugely talented singer-songwriters for an intimate evening of captivating live music, hosted by renowned local musician and Musical Director of our recent production of Rock of Ages, Daniel Barrie. Each artist will share not only their songs, but also the stories and inspirations behind the music, offering a unique insight into what brings their creativity to life.
On the bill this time are:
Milda — Lithuanian-born singer-songwriter blending folk, blues, rock and jazz with captivating vocals and soulful piano-and-guitar arrangements.
John Oswin — Blues and roots singer-songwriter combining heartfelt storytelling, soulful vocals and acoustic guitar with themes of faith, hope and real life.
Tom Brannan — Coventry singer-songwriter delivering emotionally driven, theatrical music that blends intimate storytelling with powerful melodies and heartfelt vocals.
Daniel Barrie — Your host for the night, and Kenilworth local blending country storytelling, pop hooks and distinctive guitar work into energetic, lyrical anthems.
Expect soft lighting, stripped-back sound, and a warm, authentic atmosphere. These talented musicians boast thousands of streams and have performed at renowned venues across the UK and beyond, and now they’re bringing their music right here to The Talisman.
Our licensed bar will be open throughout the night, so gather your friends, grab a drink, and immerse yourself in a night of brilliant music
Tickets are £10 and strictly limited, and the last event sold out, so book early to secure your spot.
THINGS THAT GO BUMP - An interactive murder mystery evening!
31st October 2026
In conjunction with the Talisman Theatre, Whodunnit will be back with another original interactive murder mystery evening.
The Highly Sprung Mattress Company has had a bad year.
In order to lift the spirits of his unhappy staff, the Managing Director has decided to throw a Halloween party. Come and join us in your Halloween finery to witness the ups and downs of the mattress world.
You are promised an evening of tricks, treats and murderous intentions.
There will be a prize for the best Halloween costume so bring it on!
GASLIGHT
2nd - 7th November 2026
Deception burns behind closed doors
The iconic Victorian thriller of manipulation, secrets and suspense. The Manninghams appear to be the perfect couple — at least from the outside. But behind the elegant façade of their London home, something far more sinister is at play.
Bella begins to doubt her sanity; Jack vanishes on mysterious errands; objects disappear, and strange footsteps echo from the attic. Is Bella truly losing her mind? Why does the light keep flickering? And what prompts the sudden arrival of a detective at their door? Gaslight is a gripping story of psychological control, deception and resilience — a chilling glimpse into the life of a woman fighting to reclaim her reality.
Rediscover Patrick Hamilton’s classic thriller in a new light — the play that gave us the term “gaslighting” — and experience a timeless drama that feels more unsettlingly relevant than ever. Step into the shadows and see it for yourself.
CINDERELLA
19th December 2026 to 2nd January 2027
A sparkling family adventure!
The timeless tale you know and love…with a few delightful twists in this year’s Talisman pantomime.
Prince Christopher needs to take a wife; but, for one more day, he wants to taste the freedom of an ordinary man. Swapping places with his manservant, Dandini, he encounters the Stoneybroke family, comprising two larger-than-life sisters, an overworked hired hand and a young girl by the name of Cinderella. The Prince is captivated by her and her kindness to an old lady in the town, but all too soon, he has to return to royal duties. Will he ever see Cinderella again, and who is the strange old lady who is more than she seems?
The Talisman Pantomime once again brings you an evening of spectacle, music and comedy for all the family.
Including a Relaxed Performance – see Relaxed Performance for details.